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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.